Weather

The author uses the weather as a symbol of life's trials. In the early sections of the novel, Oscar obsessively watches the Weather Channel, hoping that the forecast will bring him some peace or hope. However, no matter how much he watches, no rain comes and the drought continues. For the majority of the novel, the California weather patterns mirror the characters' tribulations. By the end of the novel, the rain comes, symbolizing the family's renewed closeness.

Happy Crunch Almond Orchard

Happy Crunch Almond Orchard symbolizes the unknown. When Oscar first gets the orchard, he believes it holds the key to his future success and happiness as a farmer. However, the land soon becomes more of a burden than a blessing. Over the course of the novel, the land acts as an extension of the Alvarado family's unpredictable life together, providing both joy and sorrow at...